Dizziness is a symptom, not a disease. People use the word to describe various sensations including spinning vertigo, imbalance, and lightheadedness. Dizziness can be caused by a multitude of disorders, and requires expertise in making the appropriate diagnosis.

Does vertigo mean the same as dizzy?

Vertigo is a term reserved for a sense of motion, when the body is really at rest. Most often, vertigo is experienced as a spinning sensation like that experienced after getting off of a merry-go-round. Linear motion, or a rocking motion are also described.

What causes dizziness?

When the symptoms are described using words like "woozy", "about to black out", "tunnel vision", or "lightheadedness" are used, they are associated with dizziness. This is almost always due to insufficient blood flow to the brain. In general, symptoms are worse when standing and improve with lying down. This kind of dizziness is frequently experienced by healthy individuals who rise quickly from a chair, often after a meal, and have a few seconds of disorientation.
Another cause of dizziness is related to various physiological conditions often associated with anxiety. Hyperventilation can cause lightheadedness and a sense of unsteadiness, as well as tingling around the mouth and fingertips. The many other causes of dizziness may be due to a acoustic tumor located on the balance nerve or many other serious conditions. It is important to seek medical attention if your dizziness stays the same or worsens with time.

What should I do if I have dizziness?

At Ears of Texas, PA EIT, our experienced physicians conduct a thorough medical history and evaluation of dizziness, with the understanding that there are many potential causes, some more dangerous than others. We utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to evaluate the inner ear as well as contributions from the other organ systems involved in maintaining balance (vision, pressure receptors in muscles and joints, and central nervous system). All of this information is analyzed by our physicians, helping them to arrive at a diagnosis. Back to Top

Are there treatments for dizziness?

YES! Once a diagnosis of the dizziness is established, physical therapy can be directed for most causes. Some forms of dizziness may require medical, or rarely surgical, treatment, such as Meniere’s disease. Vestibular therapy/balance retraining is a relatively new advance in treating many forms of dizziness, and is offered at Ears of Texas, PA EIT for comprehensive care of our patients.

Tinnitus is common disorder in which individuals experience an abnormal perception of sound not coming from the surrounding environment. It is frequently associated with age-related hearing loss, but can also indicate more rare conditions such as tumors on the hearing nerve.

Are there treatments for tinnitus?

Patients with tinnitus are often told by physicians and friends that there is nothing that can be done for tinnitus and to “learn to live with it.” However, in actuality, here at Ears of Texas, PA EIT we offer a number of treatments that our patients find beneficial. These alternatives included masking techniques, amplification, biofeedback, and prescription medications.

Why do my friends and family members complain that I need to check my hearing if I feel that I hear just fine?

Hearing loss can be a slowly progressive condition that may not be recognized by a person until it reaches a certain level. It is also a condition that is commonly denied by its sufferers. People frequently blame others for “not speaking clearly” and “not facing me when they talk” (a sign that the person is relying partially on lip reading). Sufferers of hearing loss need to be aware that studies indicate appropriate treatment of hearing loss is shown to decrease feelings of isolation and depression, and improve a person’s ability to integrate normally into society (e.g. in their social groups and workplace). Denial is not the answer. Back to Top

Some warning signs include:

There are many possible causes of hearing loss including:

• Aging
• Genetics
• Noise
• Trauma to the head
• Infection
• Meniere's Disease
• Tumors
• Otosclerosis
• Congenital Disorders
• Physical blockage

If you think you have a hearing loss, you should see doctor to get a hearing test to determine the cause and whether or not it is permanent or temporary. Back to Top

Hearing loss is a very prominent condition in our society. It affects 28 million Americans (10% of the population), including 35-40% of people over the age of 65 and 50% over the age of 74 years old. In some cases, hearing loss can be congenital, meaning that they could be born with a lack of hearing.

When could my baby’s hearing screening be done?

A hearing screening can be arranged through our clinic and in some cases the pediatrician, one out of every 500 babies has hearing loss. To insure that a problem is identified early it is best to arrange testing within the first 6 weeks of age. Appointments can be scheduled during your baby’s naptime. Back to Top

How do I find a good audiologist?

The Texas Department of Health is the certifying organization for audiologists, they can provide you with names of certified audiologists in your area. During your first visit, determine whether or not you are comfortable with this person. Much like when you select your primary care physician, you need to feel that you trust the person and that you have good rapport. This will be a long term relationship, so be sure you are comfortable with the person from the start.
Audiologists are health care professionals with a minimum level of education of a master's degree. The audiologist at Ears of Texas, PA has an AuD and is licenced by the State of Texas. Back to Top

If I am unhappy with standard hearing aids, are there any other options?

If a person has tried conventional hearing aids for a moderate level of sensorineural hearing loss and has been unhappy with the performance, then another possibility is the implantable hearing aid. The new Sound Tec implantable aid utilizes a magnet attached to the ear bones as part of a minor surgical procedure. The device improves patient satisfaction and avoids many of the problems seen with conventional hearing aids, including feedback, distortion, and the occlusion effect (echo in the ear). Other options may be a digital hearing aid or cochlear implant.

What is a cochlear implant?

A cochlear implant is an electronic device designed to bypass the external and middle ear and excite the auditory nerve directly. It is implanted in the cochlea; and by stimulating auditory nerve fibers, patterns of nerve activity occur which the brain interprets as sound. Cochlear implants are the hearing solution for people with severe to profound hearing loss in both ears. For a complete description of how cochlear implants work, or for more information regarding cochlear implants simply, click here. Back to Top

What type of hearing protector do I need for my work environment or hobby?

You have to consider the following factors, the noise level, the exposure time, and the comfort and ease of use of the protective device. First, you have to select a hearing protector that has adequate attenuation for your work environment. Second, you have to consider how you are going to use the protector. You may for instance choose a different protector if your use is intermittent, requiring you to take on and off the protector frequently, than if you are going to work a continuous eight hour shift in a noisy environment. An earmuff may be preferable in the intermittent environment, while an earplug may be the choice in a long-term exposure. An earmuff may be preferred in a cold environment, while an earplug may be the choice in a hot and humid environment. However, there is no right or wrong choice, as long as you chose a hearing protector with adequate protection, and you use it correctly for the entire exposure time. Back to Top

What can cause a feeling of ear plugging?

A fullness or plugged sensation in the ear can be caused by a variety of conditions, including ear wax, ear infections, eardrum perforations, Eustachian tube problems, inflammation of the jaw joint (TMJ), and increased inner ear fluid pressure (hydrops/Meniere’s disease).

What is Meniere's Disease?

Meniere’s is classified as an inner ear disorder that causes repeated attacks of dizziness and the discomfort of fullness from the affected ear. This is due to increase pressure of the inner ear fluids. Fluids in the inner ear chambers are constantly being produced and absorbed by the circulatory system. If there are any disturbance in the delicate relationship, this results is over production or under absorption of the fluids. This leads to increase fluid pressure (which may be felt) that usually produces dizziness which can be associated with fluctuating hearing loss and ringing in the ear. It is rare for someone to be affected in both ears at the same time. Evaluation by an Otologist or Neurotolist (Inner Ear Specialist) is needed to determine the cause of the increase fluid pressure. Circulatory, metabolic, toxic, allergic or emotional factors may play a part in an case. Back to Top

What are the symptoms of Meniere’s?

Meniere’s disease is characterized by severe attacks of dizziness that can vary from a few minutes to several hours or even days. Hearing loss and head noise (ringing in the ear) usually accompany the attacks. The dizziness attacks can occur suddenly without any warning. Violent spinning, whirling and falling sensations with nausea are the most common symptoms. For some, a sensation of pressure (fullness) in the ear is usually present. Sometimes if the pressure is severe, it can effect normal activities such as lack of concentration and short term memory loss. These attacks may occur at irregular intervals. The individual can be free of symptoms for many years at a time.
Occasionally hearing impairment, ringing noise and ear pressure occur without dizziness. This type of Meniere’s disease is called cochlear hydrops. Dizziness and ear pressure may occur without hearing loss and ringing, this is called Vestibular Hydrops. Treatment for both of these is the same as Meniere’s.

Are there treatments available?

Yes, Meniere’s disease can be treated with both medically or surgically options.

Medical Options: Treatment may vary, depending on the patient. This depends on several factors according to the cause, magnitude and frequency of the symptoms. In order to improve the inner ear circulation and control the fluid pressure, treatment may consist of medication to stimulate the inner ear circulation. Such are vasodilating drugs (blood pressure pills) Diuretics (water pills) with anti-dizziness medication. People with Meniere’s should void caffeine and nicotine for this has an opposite effect on drug treatment. Another form of treatment is special diets such as reducing salt and or potassium. (would like more information about this) Back to Top

Surgical Options: Surgery is only recommended where medical treatment fails to relieve the attacks of dizziness and pressure. Surgery is successful in relieving acute attacks in the majority of patients. Please refer to the surgery section for the different types of surgeries available.

How is the vestibular system affected during a concussion

A concussion is defined as an immediate acceleration, deceleration, or stopping event causing temporary or permanent damage to the structures of the head. The vestibular system and more specifically the labyrinthine structures within the inner ear appear to be more susceptible to blunt head trauma then the skull or brain. Symptoms from both types of concussions can be similar; however the treatment for each is significantly different. This is why even “small concussions” can cause lasting problems and it is never too late to seek effective treatment for your symptoms.

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